Having Sex When You're Older Is Good for Your Health

If you’re of the mind-set that sex naturally becomes less frequent with age, we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t—or at least that it shouldn’t. In a new study published in The Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, researchers found that there are clear health benefits to having sex for women who are in the later stages of their lives.

The study was based on data from the National Social Life, Health, and Ageing Project, which surveyed 2204 men and women between the ages of 57 and 85 about their health. They then followed up with the participants five years later and asked whether or not they experienced health issues that are common among people their age. That was followed by an even more personal question: How often were they having sex?

What they found was that men who were having sex at least once a week doubled the risk for “cardiovascular events,” which might have something to do with both excessive physical exertion and the possible use of performance-improving medications. On the other hand, women who reported enjoying sex had a lower risk of high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure is typically associated with stress, the study’s author, Hui Liu, suggested that an active sex life—which is a strong signifier of a healthy relationship—can greatly improve “both mental and physical health.”